Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder you might develop after a serious and frightening experience such as violence or war. The condition was first recognised in war veterans, but a wide range of traumatic experiences can cause PTSD.

Overview of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This section provides information about PTSD. How it is diagnosed, possible causes and where to get further information and support.

You might develop PTSD after a traumatic experience such as an assault, accident or natural disaster

Symptoms can include having traumatic memories or dreams, avoiding things that remind you of the event, not being able to sleep and feeling anxious. You may feel isolated and withdrawn

Many people have some symptoms of trauma after a traumatic event. But for most people these go away with time and do not develop into PTSD